3D Colon Imaging / Virtual Colonoscopy 3D Colon Imaging Virtual Colonoscopy Patient Brochure (2MB) 3D Colon Imaging Patient Examination Prep Brochure (4MB) 3D Colon Imaging / Virtual Colonoscopy in the News Press Release "Two of the largest studies yet of "virtual colonoscopy" show the experimental technique works just as well at spotting potentially cancerous growths as the more invasive method. It's also quicker and cheaper." Click here to read the complete article Appointment Center What is 3D Colon Imaging and how does it work? 3D Colon Imaging, otherwise known as Virtual Colonoscopy (VC) uses computed tomography (CT), sometimes called a CAT scan, and computers to produce two- and three-dimensional images of the colon. The examination takes about 20 minutes and does not require sedation. During the procedure, the Technologist will ask you to lie on your side, and a small plug will be inserted into your rectum. CO2 gas will then be pumped through the plug to inflate the colon. The scanning procedure is then repeated with you lying on your stomach. The CT along with a computer program assembles images to create a three- dimensional computer model that can be viewed on a video screen. The Radiologist can then virtually fly through the inside walls of the colon searching for polyps.

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3D Colon Imaging Facts VC is more comfortable than a conventional exam - only a small plug is inserted into the rectum versus a long thin tube used in a conventional colonoscopy No sedation is needed for the procedure, unlike conventional colonoscopy Patients can return to usual activities immediately after the procedure VC provides clearer, more detailed images than a conventional x-ray Procedure takes less time (20 minutes) than a conventional colonoscopy Examination can be less expensive than conventional methods Procedure can be done immediately, and patient can get the results back in 48 hours, instead of waiting for months to schedule a conventional exam because of the backlog of trained gastroenterologists There is a one in ten chance that large polyps will be discovered during a VC, and the patient would need to undergo a conventional colonoscopy to have them removed. In those cases, the patient would be required to prepare for the conventional procedure As this is a type of x-ray, some exposure to radiation occurs In some cases, small polyps will escape detection, and there is some argument within the medical community whether this poses a medical danger to the patient; however it should be noted that conventional exams often miss small polyps

Pictured above is an example of how a polyp may appear to a Radiologist when viewing a Virtual Colonoscopy

What is Colon Cancer?

The American Cancer Society estimates that 147,000 Americans will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer and 55,170 people will die of the disease in 2006 - this is the 2nd leading cause of cancer death in the United States. This cancer develops in the colon in the form of polyps and removal of these polyps can prevent cancer.

Colorectal Cancer Facts from the American Cancer Society

• Second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States
• 90% of all cases are in people over 50 years of age
• Family history of colorectal cancer increases your chances of developing it
• Early detection of polyps can prevent colon cancer
• Only 30% of the individuals eligible for screening undergo the evaluation

If most Colon Cancer can be detected, why is it that only 30% of the population over 50 is being tested?

There is a general resistance among individuals to undergo a conventional colonoscopy screening, as it is perceived to be uncomfortable and/or unpleasant. The procedure involves inserting a long flexible tube into the colon to enable the physician to observe any polyps growing and remove them when encountered. Patients are often sedated during the procedure, and this disrupts the daily routine requiring assistance in getting to and from the physician’s office on the day of the procedure.

PremiereScan Difference

• PremiereScan employs Board Certified Radiologists – with years of practical experience in teaching hospitals reading virtual colonoscopies and interpreting results
• PremiereScan lets the patient select from a list of approved foods and drinks to prepare for the examination instead of the liquid diets used by many clinics. PremiereScan's caring staff will be there for you to answer your questions before, during, and after the procedure to ensure you have a comfortable, pleasant experience 
• PremiereScan utilizes CO2 instead of air to inflate the colon, to ensure that patients have a better experience. Many clinics inflate the colon using air instead of CO2 – since the body cannot absorb air, it often results in bloating or cramping during the procedure and for several hours thereafter
• PremiereScan Radiologists are available to discuss the results of the examination should your physician have questions

3D Colon Imaging Patient Exam Preparation

Preparing is Important This diet is used in preparation for gastrointestinal testing which requires evacuation of the bowel. It includes foods and beverages that will sustain you during the cleansing of the bowel required for this examination, while leaving a reduced amount of residue in the bowel after digestion. You will be using a combination of the NutraPrep kit and a LoSo Prep Bowel Cleansing System. It is very important that you follow these instructions carefully to ensure a successful examination. Special Notes Milk products (e.g. whole milk, skim milk, cheese and yogurt) are limited to only two cups, two days before the exam. DO NOT drink or eat any milk products on either the day before the exam or the day of the exam. Fatty foods slow the emptying process and defeat the goal of bowel preparation. Caffeinated drinks (e.g. coffee, tea, caffeinated soft drinks, chocolate drinks) can dehydrate you. These should be avoided since the goal of this preparation is to keep you well hydrated. Therefore, do not drink any beverages containing caffeine on the day before the exam. You may, however, drink decaffeinated beverages (e.g. decaffeinated coffee)

Preparation 1 Day before screening

• Starting at 1:00 PM and continuing until 9:00 PM
• Drink one 8 oz. glass of water EACH hour.
• Please note: food items below are optional, however, You
  MUST drink the eight 8 oz glasses of water and the three required bottles of Tagitol.

Breakfast

• Vanilla Nutritional Shake
• Drink one bottle of Tagitol

Lunch

• Vanilla Nutritional Shake, Chicken Noodle Soup,
• Lemon Drink (or water)
• Drink one bottle of Tagitol

Snack

• Potato Poppers, Chocolate Flavored Energy Bar,
• Cinnamon Apple Sauce

Dinner - 4:00 PM

• Vanilla Nutritional Shake, Chicken Noodle Soup,
• Lemon Drink (or water).
• Drink one bottle of Tagitol

DO NOT EAT ANYTHING AFTER 5 :00 PM

5:30 PM - Begin LoSo Prep

• Stir in contents of the packet into 8 oz of cold water. After fizzing stops, stir and drink entire glass. This generally produces a bowel movement within 6 hours.
• 6:00 PM - Drink 8 oz of water
• 7:00 PM - Drink 8 oz of water
• 7:30 PM - Begin Bisacodyl Tablets
• Take all four (4) with one 8 oz. glass of water.
• DO NOT CHEW TABLETS. (See WARNINGS: Bisacodyl Tablets).
• The tablets are to be taken two hours after drinking the LOSO Prep solution.
• Bisacodyl tablets generally produce bowel movement in 6 to 12 hours.
• 8:00 PM - Drink 8 oz of water
• 9:00 PM - Drink 8 oz of water

Day of Exam

FASTING NO FOOD! DO NOT EAT OR DRINK ANYTHING

Please continue to take any physician prescribed medications. Please discontinue any supplements and/or vitamins on the day of your procedure.

At least two hours before the examination unwrap the foil wrapper from the bisacodyl suppository and discard foil. While lying on your side with thigh raised, insert the suppository into the rectum and gently insert in as far as possible. Retain the suppository for at least 15 minutes, if possible, before evacuating, even if the urge is strong. Bowel evacuation usually occurs within 60 minutes. If you require assistance, have a bed pan, commode, or help readily available.

Helpful Documents

3D Colon Imaging Virtual Colonoscopy Patient Brochure (2MB)
3D Colon Imaging Patient Examination Prep Brochure (4MB)

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